Nestled in the shadow of Mount Khangchendzonga, the remote Dzongu region of Sikkim has emerged as one of India’s richest habitats for butterflies. A 10-year study by citizen scientist Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha documented 420 butterfly species in this small, biodiverse area, 61% of all species recorded in Sikkim.
The findings, published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa, highlight Dzongu’s critical role in global biodiversity. The study, conducted between 2016 and 2024, involved trekking through dense forests, crossing rivers, and camping at high altitudes to track these delicate insects.
“Sikkim is already known as a butterfly hotspot, but Dzongu is something special,” says Lepcha. “Nearly two-thirds of the state’s species live here, and some are found nowhere else.”
Why Dzongu? The Science Behind the Butterfly Boom
Dzongu’s unique geography makes it a haven for butterflies. The region spans just 78 square kilometres, but its elevation ranges from 700 to 6,000 metres, creating multiple microclimates supporting different species.
- Subtropical forests host the highest diversity, with 395 species recorded.
- Alpine zones, though less diverse, are home to rare high-altitude butterflies like the Kaiser-i-Hind (Teinopalpus imperialis).
- The area borders Khangchendzonga National Park, a UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve, providing a protected corridor for wildlife.
Butterflies are bioindicators, meaning their presence (or absence) reflects ecosystem health. The study found that Dzongu’s forests remain largely intact, allowing species like Sikkim’s state butterfly (Bassarona durga) and the newly discovered Zographetus dzonguensis to thrive.
The 10-Year Expedition: How a Citizen Scientist Mapped Dzongu’s Butterflies
Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha, a resident of Noom Panang village, spent years hiking through Dzongu’s rugged terrain with a camera, notebook, and GPS device. His work, supported by zoologist Monish Kumar Thapa and local guides, resulted in one of the most detailed butterfly surveys in the Eastern Himalayas.
Key discoveries:
- Nymphalidae (brush-footed butterflies) were the most common, with 165 species.
- Lycaenidae (blues and coppers) followed with 92 species, including rare high-altitude varieties.
- 118 species are legally protected under India’s Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022.
Lepcha’s team also confirmed that 194 butterfly species in Dzongu are exclusive to Northeast India, making the region a critical conservation priority.
Butterflies as Climate Indicators: What Dzongu Tells Us
Butterfly populations are susceptible to environmental changes. Their decline often signals habitat loss, pollution, or climate shifts. In Dzongu, researchers noted:
- Stable populations in old-growth forests, but declines near human settlements.
- New species are moving uphill as temperatures rise, a trend seen globally.
“If butterflies disappear, other wildlife will follow,” says Lepcha. “Protecting Dzongu means protecting an entire ecosystem.”
Conservation Efforts: Can Dzongu Stay a Butterfly Haven?
Local initiatives are already underway to safeguard Dzongu’s biodiversity:
- Community-led forest protection: Villagers patrol against illegal logging.
- Organic farming: Pesticide-free agriculture helps pollinators thrive.
- Ecotourism plans: Controlled butterfly-watching tours could fund conservation.
However, challenges remain:
- Hydropower projects threaten riverine habitats.
- Climate change could disrupt delicate high-altitude species.
What’s Next? A Call to Protect Sikkim’s Natural Heritage
The study, released to mark Sikkim’s 50th year as an Indian state, serves as both a celebration and a warning. Dzongu’s butterflies are a treasure—but they need urgent protection.
“This isn’t just about science,” says Lepcha. “It’s about preserving a way of life. Dzongu’s forests are our heritage, and we must guard them.”
How You Can Help
- Support the Butterfly Society of Sikkim’s initiatives.
- Visit responsibly: Follow ecotourism guidelines.
- Spread awareness: Share findings to boost conservation funding.
Final Word
Dzongu’s butterflies are more than just beautiful insects—they’re a barometer for the health of the Himalayas. This decade-long study proves that small, focused conservation can have a global impact. The question now is whether the world will listen.
